14 days in Australia Itinerary

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): enjoy some diversion at Esplanade Lagoon Pool, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then explore and take pictures at The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk. Here are some ideas for day two: hike along Esplanade Boardwalk, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, and then kick back and relax at Palm Cove Beach.

For photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Cairns trip itinerary planner.

Los Angeles, USA to Cairns is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 18 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Cairns. Traveling from Los Angeles in December, you will find days in Cairns are somewhat warmer (°F), and nights are much hotter (°F). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) so you can go by car to Port Douglas.

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Wed): see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then stop by With Sugar. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, thenlearn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and then explore the gorgeous colors at Opal Reef.

For reviews, maps, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Port Douglas holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Cairns to Port Douglas takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Port Douglas can reach °F, while at night they dip to °F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can travel to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Change things up with a short trip to The Great Ocean Road in Torquay (about 1h 35 min away). And it doesn't end there: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, pause for some photo ops at Shrine of Remembrance, soar above the sights with a balloon tour, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Melbourne Zoo.

Plan a Melbourne trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Getting from Port Douglas to Melbourne by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In January, Melbourne is little chillier than Port Douglas - with highs of °F and lows of °F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Sydney is known for nightlife, beaches, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, explore the striking landscape at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, kick back and relax at Manly Beach, and get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

To find reviews, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, use the Sydney trip builder.

Getting from Melbourne to Sydney by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Sydney when traveling from Melbourne in January, with lows around °F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.